Seven-year-old boy spends every evening reading bedtime stories to care home residents

A seven-year-old has spent every evening this month reading a bedtime story to residents at a care home in Wymondham.

Henry lives near to Windmill House care home and his mum Becky Webb works at the home.

She said: “I have had the rare privilege of being able to work from home around my children for the last two years so they both got very used to me being around for everything, from school drop off to pick up to every single football match to bath time and bedtime.

“Three weeks ago, this all changed when I accepted a job offer from Windmill House in Wymondham. As strange, as it may sound to some, my dream job. I went in as a domestic member of staff, my wonderful and inspiring residents now know me by the phrase of ‘cleaner by contract, carer by choice’.

“I went into this home on my induction day and fell in love with our incredible and inspirational residents. Every single one with a story to tell, a joke up their sleeve or some just wanted a hand to hold or a cuddle. I was only too happy to do so, this is not a job, this was a choice and I loved every second."

She added: "My children however, who were so used to me being at home weren’t quite so easily adaptable, Henry especially. When I told him how much people needed me just as much as he did and explained that my wonderful residents were so grateful he would let his Mummy be away from home so much, he wanted to help and support me: enter Bedtime stories with Henry!”

The bedtime story sessions, which include stories by Julia Donaldson and Roald Dahl, are streamed live to residents with a link to a JustGiving page and Henry has managed through the sessions to raise over £500 for the themed and sensory areas at Windmill House.

The aim of these areas is to create an engaging yet calming environment for residents. Themed areas can also help trigger memories and spark conversations, which can help form new friendships.

Wellbeing lead at Windmill House, Fran Annis, said: “All of us at Windmill House are so grateful for Henry’s and Becky’s generous and kind gesture. Henry is an excellent reader and we have all really enjoyed his bedtime stories.

"I cannot wait for him to visit the home and to meet our residents. We would love to personally thank Henry, and think it would be great to get ideas from him for the sensory and themed areas."

Here is the link to Henry’s JustGiving page - www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/beckywebb

click here for more details or to contact Windmill House